Setagaya Plum Festival at Hinagi Park

Today we are starting our morning in a Japanese "deep cut" (I'm using this term for any place or activity that is very much not on the tourist radar unless you are a tourist specifically hunting for this specific thing the place specialises in), heading out to Higari-Matsubaru to explore the Setagaya Plum Festival and Hinagi Park.

The weather has shifted into a slightly warmer vibe today, which is a nice change of pace! We only had one train mishap, but it was a good lesson in being able to distinguish the difference between an express and a local train (stops all stops) so no harm done!

We have absolutely lucked in this weekend with the plum season. Higari park hosts this festival between the 7th of February and the 2nd March, and there are 650 different plum trees in the park. Of the 650, 600 have now bloomed. So that's a good 90%. Plus, there are many varieties so you have loads of colours, and the festivities are on during weekends, so there was the traditional drum performance plus a range of foods available.

It was lovely to wander around and check out all the trees amongst the Japanese locals. Only about 8 other white people anywhere near the area. A definite must for anyone coming to Tokyo in February who is interested in the blossom seasons.Read more